Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Critics score the Sony WH-1000XM5 89 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 87 out of 100, from 17 and 14 professional reviews. 9 outlets reviewed both: 3 scored the Sony WH-1000XM5 higher, 3 scored the Sony WH-1000XM6 higher and 3 gave both the same score.
Image: SonySony WH-1000XM5
Praised for: noise cancelling (17 of 17), sound quality (16 of 17), comfort (7 of 17)
Criticised for: case and folding (11 of 17), price (9 of 17), no water resistance (4 of 17)
The catch: Doesn't fold, and no water resistance.
All 17 reviews of the Sony WH-1000XM5 →
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Image: SonySony WH-1000XM6
Praised for: noise cancelling (14 of 14), sound quality (10 of 14), design (5 of 14)
Criticised for: price (9 of 14), controls and app (3 of 14), no water resistance (2 of 14)
The catch: Costs more than the XM5 for modest gains.
All 14 reviews of the Sony WH-1000XM6 →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TechRadar | 95 | 89est. | +6 |
| soundguys.com | 86 | 83 | +3 |
| Business Insider | 85est. | 83est. | +2 |
| Expert Reviews | 95 | 95 | same |
| Good Housekeeping | 89est. | 89est. | same |
| Trusted Reviews | 83est. | 83est. | same |
| CNET | 89 | 93 | -4 |
| TechGearLab | 79 | 83 | -4 |
| CNN Underscored | 83est. | 89est. | -6 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Sony WH-1000XM5 minus the Sony WH-1000XM6. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Direct comparisons
Reviewers who put these two side by side. These never change a score.
- What Hi-Fi? picks the Sony WH-1000XM6.
- Tom's Guide says it depends: the Sony WH-1000XM6 if You want the latest model with the best ANC and call quality, or are upgrading.; the Sony WH-1000XM5 if You are budget-minded and can catch a discount on a still-capable flagship.
- SoundGuys says it depends: the Sony WH-1000XM6 if You are buying fresh and want Sony's best sound, ANC and newer connectivity.; the Sony WH-1000XM5 if You prioritize comfort or budget, or already own the XM5.
Compare either one with another noise-cancelling headphone → · All noise-cancelling headphones ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Sony WH-1000XM6?
Critics rate the Sony WH-1000XM5 higher: 89 against 87. 9 outlets reviewed both: 3 scored the Sony WH-1000XM5 higher, 3 scored the Sony WH-1000XM6 higher and 3 gave both the same score.
Do critics agree about the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Sony WH-1000XM6?
The Sony WH-1000XM5: broad agreement, scores from 79 to 100. The Sony WH-1000XM6: broad agreement, scores from 73 to 95.